New Wave Of British Heavy Metal: The Complete Guide

by SLV Team 52 views
New Wave of British Heavy Metal: The Complete Guide

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was a rock and metal subgenre that exploded in the late 1970s in the United Kingdom and continued into the early 1980s. It served as a counterpoint to the prevailing punk rock movement while also revitalizing the heavy metal scene. NWOBHM brought a raw, energetic, and melodic approach to metal, setting the stage for many subgenres that followed. Bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Saxon rose to prominence during this era, achieving international recognition and influencing generations of musicians.

Origins and Influences

The origins of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal can be traced to the late 1970s when the music landscape was dominated by punk rock. Punk's raw energy and DIY ethos resonated with many young musicians, but some felt that punk lacked the musical complexity and virtuosity they craved. At the same time, the original wave of heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin were either past their prime or moving in different directions. This created a void that NWOBHM bands eagerly filled.

The influences on NWOBHM were diverse, drawing from both the classic heavy metal bands and the emerging punk scene. Bands like Motörhead, with their aggressive sound and punk attitude, were a key influence. Other influences included Judas Priest, whose twin-guitar harmonies and soaring vocals became a hallmark of the NWOBHM sound, and Thin Lizzy, known for their melodic hard rock and dual guitar attack. The punk influence was evident in the raw energy, fast tempos, and anti-establishment lyrics of many NWOBHM bands. This fusion of metal and punk created a unique sound that was both heavy and energetic, appealing to fans of both genres.

The social and economic context of the time also played a crucial role in the rise of NWOBHM. The late 1970s in Britain were marked by economic recession, high unemployment, and social unrest. Many young people felt disenfranchised and disillusioned, and they found an outlet for their frustrations in the raw, energetic music of NWOBHM. The movement was also fueled by a network of independent record labels, fanzines, and local gigs, which provided a platform for new bands to reach their audience. This DIY approach allowed NWOBHM to thrive outside the mainstream music industry, creating a vibrant and authentic scene.

Key Characteristics of NWOBHM

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal had several defining characteristics that set it apart from other metal subgenres. Musically, NWOBHM was known for its emphasis on melody, energy, and technical skill. Bands often featured twin-guitar harmonies, soaring vocals, and driving rhythms. The songs were typically fast-paced and energetic, with a strong emphasis on catchy hooks and memorable riffs. Lyrically, NWOBHM bands often explored themes of rebellion, fantasy, and working-class life, reflecting the social and economic realities of the time.

One of the key musical features of NWOBHM was the use of twin-guitar harmonies. Bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Saxon made extensive use of this technique, creating a rich and layered sound that added depth and complexity to their music. The guitarists often played in unison or in harmony, creating a powerful and melodic effect. This approach was influenced by bands like Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest, who had pioneered the use of twin guitars in heavy metal. The emphasis on melody was another defining characteristic of NWOBHM. While the music was heavy and energetic, it was also highly melodic, with catchy hooks and memorable vocal lines. This made NWOBHM accessible to a wider audience, helping it to break through into the mainstream.

Another defining characteristic of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was its DIY ethos. Many NWOBHM bands started out playing small clubs and pubs, building a following through word of mouth and local gigs. They often recorded their own demos and released them on independent labels, bypassing the mainstream music industry. This DIY approach allowed NWOBHM bands to retain control over their music and their careers, and it helped to create a sense of community within the scene. Fanzines played a crucial role in promoting NWOBHM bands, providing coverage and exposure that they might not have received from the mainstream music press. These fanzines were often produced by fans themselves, and they helped to create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm around the NWOBHM movement. The independent record labels that supported NWOBHM bands were also essential to their success. Labels like Neat Records, Bronze Records, and Carrere Records provided funding and distribution for NWOBHM bands, helping them to reach a wider audience.

Key Bands and Their Contributions

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal produced a wealth of talented bands, many of whom went on to achieve international success. Here are some of the key bands and their contributions to the genre:

  • Iron Maiden: Arguably the most successful NWOBHM band, Iron Maiden's complex arrangements, epic storytelling, and iconic mascot Eddie helped them achieve global fame. Their early albums like "Iron Maiden" and "Killers" are considered classics of the genre.
  • Def Leppard: Known for their polished sound and catchy hooks, Def Leppard achieved massive commercial success with albums like "Pyromania" and "Hysteria." They blended NWOBHM with arena rock, appealing to a wide audience.
  • Saxon: Saxon's powerful riffs, driving rhythms, and anthemic choruses made them a staple of the NWOBHM scene. Albums like "Wheels of Steel" and "Denim and Leather" are considered essential listening.
  • Motörhead: While technically predating NWOBHM, Motörhead's aggressive sound and punk attitude were a major influence on the movement. Their raw energy and uncompromising style set them apart from other metal bands.
  • Diamond Head: Diamond Head's complex arrangements and sophisticated songwriting influenced many later metal bands, including Metallica. Their debut album "Lightning to the Nations" is considered a classic of the genre.
  • Angel Witch: Angel Witch's dark and atmospheric sound, combined with their occult themes, made them a unique and influential band in the NWOBHM scene. Their self-titled debut album is a cult classic.
  • Tygers of Pan Tang: Tygers of Pan Tang's melodic hard rock and twin-guitar harmonies made them a popular band in the NWOBHM scene. Albums like "Spellbound" and "Crazy Nights" showcased their musical talent.

Impact and Legacy

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal's impact on the metal world is undeniable. It not only revitalized the heavy metal scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s but also paved the way for many subgenres that followed, including thrash metal, speed metal, and power metal. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth have cited NWOBHM bands as major influences, demonstrating the lasting impact of the movement.

NWOBHM helped to popularize several musical techniques that became staples of the metal genre. The use of twin-guitar harmonies, soaring vocals, and driving rhythms can all be traced back to NWOBHM bands. The emphasis on melody and songwriting also helped to make metal more accessible to a wider audience. But the legacy extends beyond the music itself. The DIY ethos of the movement inspired countless musicians to start their own bands and create their own music, regardless of whether they had the support of the mainstream music industry. The sense of community that developed within the NWOBHM scene also helped to foster a spirit of collaboration and innovation that continues to this day.

The influence of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal can still be heard in modern metal bands. Many contemporary metal bands cite NWOBHM bands as major influences, and they continue to incorporate elements of the NWOBHM sound into their music. The legacy of NWOBHM is also evident in the thriving metal scenes around the world, which are often characterized by a DIY ethos and a strong sense of community. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal may have been a relatively short-lived phenomenon, but its impact on the metal world is undeniable. It helped to revitalize the heavy metal scene, paved the way for many subgenres that followed, and inspired countless musicians to start their own bands. The legacy of NWOBHM continues to be felt today, making it one of the most important and influential movements in the history of metal.

Conclusion

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal was a pivotal movement in the history of rock and metal. It not only revitalized the heavy metal scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s but also paved the way for many subgenres that followed. Its raw energy, melodic approach, and DIY ethos inspired a generation of musicians and fans, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be felt today. Whether you're a longtime metalhead or new to the genre, exploring the sounds of NWOBHM is an essential journey into the roots of heavy metal. So crank up the volume and discover the bands that started it all!